5 Days, 1 City. Any Ideas??
 

I have 5 days to spend in Europe during November. I have been to Rome, Venice and Amsterdam this year and Paris,London and Brussels in the past. I was thinking about Vienna, Madrid, Florence, Barcelona or Seville. Any Ideas??

<BR>Hi <BR>Of the five cities you are considering, <BR>the only one I've been to is Florence, but I give it my vote, as long as you enjoy art and historical sites. If you tire of museums, you can always use Florence as a base from which to see <BR>Siena and the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, which might be slightly less gorgeous in November. <BR>By the way, as another suggestion, most people rave about Prague.

November can be iffy in northern Europe (not a problem if you want to spend every waking moment indoors), so consider Spain (especially Seville) for a better chance at better weather, if you'd like to be outside without mittens.

Richard, <BR>elvira's right about the iffy climactic conditions in Northern Europe in November. Madrdi would be a great visit. You can easily fill up 5 days just with the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Burnmeisze(sp?) museums and sights around Madrid, or could add in train day trips to Toledo, Segovia or even Seville (via high speed AVE train). <BR>Prague is quite wonderful, but again the weather issue...

Ah, yes, the weather. According to the New York Times World Weather Guide, Prague has, on average, 12 days of rain in November, and an average daily high of 42 F (5 C), while Seville averages 7 days of rain in November, with an average daily high of 68 F (20 C). <BR>And of course there's Marrakech, Morocco, with 3 days of rain and an average high of 73 F (23 C). Just a thought...

You all mentioned great cities, but I feel that you neglegeted to mention the oldest, most historical and most beautiful city of them all, of caourse I am talking about Istanbul, and prices in November will be dirt cheap, and jack all tourists about.

Although all of your choices are wonderful places to visit, I would consider the weather traveling in November and head for Southern Spain, either Madrid or Seville or perhaps a combination of the two. The AVE train from Madrid to Seville is only 2 1/2 hours. Istanbul is also a wonderful city but I was there in late October and it was quite chilly.

so far i am leaning towards madrid......

Another vote for Southern Spain in November...this one from experience. During my stay on Nov'93 in Andalucia, the weather was pleasantly cool, tourist sites were not crowded, no waiting in restaurants, just perfect. Get yourself to Seville and enjoy!

Madrid would be my choice! Just as Seamus states, you can enjoy Madrid for a few days, then do day trips to Toledo and Segovia. You'll only have to check in to your hotel once and enjoy your visit!

OK I think Madrid wins....

I'd recommend Madrid as well but remember that it's not in Southern Spain as someone suggested. The climate there is very continental so the winters can be pretty cold.

Richard, <BR> <BR>Stefan stressed a good point; Southern Spain refers to Andalucia (Seville, Granada, Pueblos Blancos, etc...) Madrid, still a good choice, but weather might be cooler...

Richard, <BR>Last year we did the middle two weeks of November in Spain: Madrid and Andalucia and had wonderful weather everywhere but Madrid can definitely be cooler and rainier than Sevilla and Andalucia. Make your decision between the two based on if you want a big city with big museums, more hustle and bustle, traffic congestion, etc..although Sevilla can be quite clogged. If you do Madrid definitely plan to escape the city for a few days to Toledo, Escorial, Segovia, etc...Sevilla is a city of complete magic, moorish architecture, much older than Madrid with a lot more history. Also day trips out of Sevilla are fabulous and could include Cordoba (ambitious but probably worth it), Ronda, Arcos de la Frontera and some of the Pueblos Blancos (White Towns in the mountains). Don't waste a minute trying to see the Costa del Sol, etc...very gross and overdeveloped...Good luck...I have lots of detailed info on hotels and restaurants we enjoyed if you need more...Maria